Holistic Decision-Making Approach for Re-Defining Positive Energy Districts: A Framework for Neighbourhood Renovation

Abstract

Journal of Physics: Conference Series Purpose-Led Publishing logo. Paper • The following article is Open access Holistic Decision-Making Approach for Re-Defining Positive Energy Districts: A Framework for Neighbourhood Renovation A Brunetti, M Cellura, S Cellura, L Di Pilla, F Guarino, S Hosseinalizadeh, L Ilardi, S Longo and R Rincione Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd Journal of Physics: Conference Series, Volume 3140, Operation - Urban scale energy managementCitation A Brunetti et al 2025 J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 3140 062018DOI 10.1088/1742-6596/3140/6/062018 Download Article PDF Article metrics 14 Total downloads Share this article Abstract The transition toward a low-carbon built environment increasingly relies on the development of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), which integrate renewable energy solutions at the urban scale. Given their inherent complexity and multidisciplinary nature, PEDs require a holistic and integrated approach to infrastructure planning and development. This study develops and applies a Multi-Attribute Decision-Making (MADM) model to identify the most suitable renovation strategies for transforming existing urban areas into PEDs. Based on Multi-Attribute Value Theory, the model implements the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assign weights to various evaluation criteria and engages a panel of thirteen PED experts through a structured questionnaire. The methodology was applied to the University of Palermo campus, enabling group decision-making while minimizing subjectivity. The campus’s current energy performance was simulated using the EnergyPlus dynamic building energy simulation tool and multiple renovation scenarios were evaluated and compared. Each scenario was assessed using a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), grouped into two main domains: (i) Energy and Environmental and (ii) Socio-Economic and Urban Planning. A composite Positive Energy District Sustainability Index was developed to facilitate scenarios’ comparison and ranking. The model demonstrated its potential in supporting decision-making processes for PED planning by integrating experts’ knowledge, performance simulation and multi-criteria evaluation. The case study confirmed its capability to guide renovation strategies toward sustainable and replicable PED configurations.